The Elusive Pursuit of Serenity: A Reflection on Anger and Curiosity in Creative Work

In the world of creative implementation, it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to succeed at each stage. Whether it's pushing past a feasibility study or overcoming obstacles during implementation, there's always more pressure to be met. For some, success is not just a celebration, but a reminder that there's still work to be done.

This concept of perpetual striving is reflected in Dan Hon's newsletter, where he explores the idea of wanting to understand the inner workings of things. Anger, in particular, can drive us to try new approaches and push beyond our comfort zones. As planners and strategists, we often find ourselves at a crossroads: do we choose to simply be curious about how things work, or do we strive for more?

Martin Weigel argues that anger is an integral part of what we do as creatives, and I tend to agree. It's the spark that ignites our passion and drives us to create something meaningful. Caring deeply about our work defines the best in our trade, and it's this emotional investment that sets us apart.

But what about anxiety? Does it play a role in our creative process as well? The part of ourselves we wish could go away - the doubts, fears, and self-questioning - is often the same part that makes us care deeply about our work. It's the inner demons that surface when we're faced with uncertainty or criticism.

Whenever creatives discuss their frustrations and desires for their work, one topic tends to emerge: the pursuit of serenity salmon. This elusive concept seems to be the holy grail of creative satisfaction - a state where our passion and drive are balanced by peace and contentment.

However, as we delve deeper into this idea, it becomes clear that serenity is not just about finding calm in the midst of chaos. It's about embracing our emotions, including anger and anxiety, and using them to fuel our creativity. It's about caring deeply enough to take risks and push boundaries, even when it's uncomfortable.

In conclusion, as creative professionals, we often find ourselves torn between the desire for serenity and the reality of a demanding industry. But perhaps the key to unlocking this elusive state is not to shy away from our emotions, but to embrace them. By doing so, we can tap into our passion and drive, and create work that truly resonates with others.

Serenity salmon